Wedded in Sin by Jade Lee

was looking on with dismay. But they all looked up at Penny as she stepped slowly into the room.
    “What ’appened to you?” cried Wendy, her refined accent slipping as she turned her back on her new apprentice to look Penny up and down. “You look all twisted and angry.”
    “And who is this?” asked Helaine’s mother as she turned to frown at Mr. Morrison. “I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t as a rule allow gentlemen in the workroom.”
    “Of course, my lady. I’ll withdraw immediately. Miss Shoemaker, we can depart for the solicitor’s as soon as you are ready.”
    Penny nodded while Helaine’s mother released a nervous titter. “My lady?” she gasped. “No, no, I’m just simple Mrs. Appleton. It’s my daughter who is the lady now.”
    Penny bit her lip, damning herself for bringing Mr. Morrison here. Of all the toffs in the world, this one was sure to know “Mrs. Appleton’s” true identity as Lady Chelmorton. And his one slip had shown that he knew the truth, but apparently he chose to pretend ignorance. He nodded and flashed his too charming smile. “Of course, Mrs. Appleton. I apologize. I tend to be a little mutton-headed sometimes.”
    If that weren’t a bounder, she didn’t know what was. Meanwhile, Penny stepped forward and introduced the man. She ran through everyone’s names for his benefit, and then gestured to him. “Everyone, this is Mr. Morrison,” she said as neutrally as she could manage. “He’s going to help me with a legal problem. My home was stolen from me this morning. The shop and everything!” Her attempts to remain calm failed. As she spoke, her voice wobbled and tears flooded her eyes. She tried to stop them, but she was standing with her friends after having lost everything.
    “Stolen! But—”
    “My God! How could—”
    “Ladies, ladies, please.” Mr. Morrison held up his hand, effectively silencing the room. Even Tabby stopped crying to listen. “I’m sure Miss Shoemaker will be pleased to explain everything in due time. But I must express that the faster we get to the solicitor’s, the faster we can get everything set to proper order. We have come here, I believe, in the hopes that—”
    “Oh yes! Tommy!” cried Mrs. Appleton. “Give me the lad. Set your bags upstairs. You can stay there are long as you need.”
    The woman bustled forward and gently lifted Tommy from Penny’s weary arms. The boy went easily, still drowsy as he sucked his thumb. And as he knew Helaine’s mother very well, he settled into her arms with barely a whimper.
    “Go on now,” Wendy said. “Wash your face and change your clothes. Best not to keep them legal types waitin’.”
    Penny nodded but she didn’t move. And to her humiliation, the tears began to leak out, slipping down her cheeks in misery. And once again, it was Mr. Morrison who saved her, though his tone was gruff as he spoke.
    “The thing is, she hasn’t got any bags except a few nappies. It was all taken by a Mr. Cordwain.”
    “Cordwain! That blighter—” Wendy snapped, then she obviously stopped herself from spitting a curse.
    “Probably isn’t the thief,” inserted Mr. Morrison. “But we’ll have to visit the solicitor to find out.” Then he touched Penny’s arm, gently drawing her gaze to his. “Go on. You should at least wash your face.” Again, his tone was gruff, but not unkind, which was exactly what she needed to stiffen her spine. Then he undid it all by gently stroking his thumb across her cheek. He didn’t speak more, but his expression was quietly miserable. That was too much for her, and she started weeping again with fresh intensity.
    “Oh dear!” Mrs. Appleton cried. But her arms were filled with Tommy and so she couldn’t do anything. That left Wendy to spit a curse for real this time and bustle forward.
    “You’ll be wearing a new dress to see that solicitor. I’ve got two that will fit you right and proper.”
    Penny shook her head. There weren’t any extra gowns here at